Verduzco brought Hinton back as the offensive coordinator and the two appear to compliment each other well.

Both coaches place high importance on paying attention to detail, which is something Verduzco said the Panthers would need to be excellent at if they want to reach their high expectations.

“I think you always set your goals high, but you have to stay focused and stay in the present and look at each week as a single season,” Verduzco said. “I think (the players) see the opportunity is out there for them to keep building the program.

“They know they can be an important piece in the process.”

Although Parchment must replace both of its quarterbacks and the majority of its backfield, Verduzco said a hungry group of players who went 8-1 at the junior varsity level last year are ready for the challenge.

One thing that should help ease the younger players’ transition to the varsity level are the veterans Parchment returns on the offensive line.

“We have three seniors returning on the line,” Parchment offensive lineman Cody Mattison said. “We’re not as stout, but we’re faster this year.

“We’re a Wing-T team so it’s hit the hole, duck your head and go.”

Parchment’s season starts the same way it did last year as the Panthers open up against Schoolcraft. In 2013, the Eagles capitalized on Parchment’s early mistakes to cruise to a 41-14 victory.

Although Parchment went on to reach the playoffs and win its most games since 2001, Pelkey said a win on the road against Schoolcraft would set the tone for the season.

“They beat us pretty bad last year and I believe we could’ve done a lot better,” Pelkey said. “Getting that win against Schoolcraft would be huge.”

Parchment and Schoolcraft are scheduled to kick off at 7p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28.